Suspended Scaffold Emergencies - Emergencies 4 Flashcards
Three types of Suspended Scaffold Emergencies ?
- unoccupied swinging scaffold
- occupied stalled scaffold
- occupied hanging /off level scaffold
For all instances units should?
- CORDON OFF area below scaffold to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
- area TAPED OFF/marks danger area for civilians and FD personnel…..
- all apparatus kept clear of danger area/parked in safe location
- enter building from entrance out of danger area if possible
-FIRST unit to arrive should contact an available representative for information on incident
Before Window Removal?
seek assistance from building maintenance or their glazier
- clear away loose materials that may be blown around
- be cautious of any area ABOVE SCAFFOLD
If scaffold is occupied and the need for possible rescue exists then…
Ladder companies should respond with their LIFE SAVING ROPES…Engine LSR MAY also need to be utilized
- if necessary, secure scaffold to building to prevent further damage or collapse
- it may be necessary to dismantle scaffold to leave area in safe condition, this should be done from INTERIOR of building
Unoccupied Swinging Suspended Scaffold:
- locate window NEAREST scaffold
- secure scaffold with UTILITY ROPES to prevent movement
- inspect exterior of the building for damaged or loose building/scaffold material
survey roof to determine if the scaffold anchoring system has been compromised due to excessive movement…if parapet hooks or clamps are used, inspect parapet wall ..determine if TIE BACK lines are present/secure (back up lines from each outrigger/parapet hook)..if any roof rigging is suspect , attempt to secure with utility rope
AT NO TIME shall ANY MEMBER GO OUT ONTO AN UNOCCUPIED SCAFFOLD…all ops from within building or roof level…avoid operating below scaffold
OCCUPIED suspended scaffold:
- overheated hoist motors, loose electrical , tripped breakers
- LOCATE window nearest to scaffold
- communicate with stranded workers (if they are stranded on windowless area of building, CONSIDER LOWERING HT ) ascertain:
a. workers physical and mental state
b. if they know cause of the stall and if they can correct situation
c. if any co workers inside the building can lend assistance
A team sent to THE ROOF to inspect scaffold rigging /anchoring system and determine if they are secure…consider lowering LIFE SAVING ROPE to workers and have them attach it to their harness via snap hook..
check for loose connections/tripped breaker…do not restore power without permission from units below
If wire rope hoist line is JAMMED within unit…
NEVER allow workers to continue to operate hoist , this can sever wire rope and cause end of scaffold to fall
-if scaffold in reach of aerial/tower, use to effect removal
window removal /glass cutting shall be performed by RESCUE/SQUAD
If it is intended to haul workers through an open window, and they must disconnect from their safety line to enter window , you must:
- ATTACH SNAP HOOK of LSR to worker’s harness
- secure other end to a substantial object
Determine if hoist motor overheated due to overloaded scaffold…some have reset buttons..
allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes …then have worker push reset button on the HOIST
-some electric hoists have the ability to be lowered even when overheated —have worker operate the automatic descent button and lower platform to the next level or ground
Unless workers are in danger of FALLING, or some other imminently dangerous condition dictates IMMEDIATE ACTION, removal will be accomplished with the ?
HIGH ANGLE ROPE EQUIPMENT (generally no need for any FF to be lowered by LSR to reach stranded workers)
- workers can only be LOWERED using LSR (not pulled to roof )
- as long as workers are NOT INJURED, REMAIN CALM and remain attached to their safety lines, they are in NO DANGER…it may be best to await arrive of SCAFFOLD MECHANIC
OCCUPIED HANGING OR OFF LEVEL SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD…
-severely tilted or hanging on one side…caused by one hoist stopping while other continues to descend …workers may be found SUSPENDED BY SAFETY LINES or HANGING ONTO SCAFFOLD
LOCATE WINDOW NEAREST TO SCAFFOLD…
- communicate with trapped workers and ascertain mental/physical state
- send team to roof to inspect roof anchoring, parapet and safety lines
- ATTEMPT TO SECURE /BACK UP THESE LINES if necessary
- without going out onto scaffold, attempt to attach life saving rope snap hook onto victim’s harness (victims may be able to assist), anchor other end of rope to a substantial object either inside or on roof
- if possible, haul in worker through window or create mechanical advantage systems to raise victims in complete safety (high angle rope )
-if window cannot be opened , it may be necessary to lower a member of the RESCUE /SQUAD down on high angle rope to the victim…victim then hauled up or lowered
ANCHOR points must be evaluated by FIRST ARRIVING UNITS ASAP, usually this will be on roof of the building , but may be located on setbacks, in shafts, or suspend from building maintenance units
upon arrival at anchor point area, following should be evaluated:
A. SCAFFOLD ANCHORING SYSTEM
-inspect tie back and hooks for damage , if damaged secure with utility rope
-inspect parapet walls and anchor points for damage
B. worker safety lines
- LOWER DOWN LSR to workers and have them clip into their harness
- rescue and squad will lower down high angle rope
C. access to roof edge
- no access due to curtain wall or other obstacles (high rise construction
- consider BREACHING wall if practical (all tools and material secured )
- if WINDOWS ARE OPEN above, use them for access
GLASS REMOVAL OR CUTTING :
-performed ONLY BY RESCUE /SQUAD
Additional HAZARDS:
- open buckets, dripping liquid , special suits worn by workers indicator
- heavy duty restoration cleaners, paint strippers
- chemicals on exterior wall above the scaffold
